The Second Draft is a peer-reviewed publication of the Legal Writing Institute dedicated to sharing ideas related to teaching legal research and writing. We aim to publish short, readable, lightly footnoted essays and articles—typically ranging from 1000 to 3000 words—that combine theory with practical experience and personal insight. We seek to publish a diverse range of pieces that reflects the diverse needs of the legal writing community. In particular, we strive to be a welcoming place for newer members of the community to have their voices heard.

 We have three submission windows per year—January, May, and September—but we welcome articles and essays at any time. If you would like to submit a piece, or if you have any questions, please email us at theseconddraftlwi@gmail.com.  

Spring 2023 Call for Submissions 

We are currently accepting submissions for our spring submission cycle. We welcome your short (usually within 1000-3000 words), readable, lightly-footnoted articles on topics related to best practices in teaching legal research and writing. We seek to publish a diverse range of pieces that reflects the diverse needs of our legal writing community. In particular, we strive to be a welcoming place for newer members of the community to have their voices heard. Please contact us at theseconddraftlwi@gmail.com with any questions. The spring submission cycle will remain open through May 15, 2023.

Scroll down to meet the members of The Second Draft's Editorial Board, search for specific articles, or see a feed of each article published by issue.